Best PhD & DMFT Degrees in Marriage & Family Therapy

Northwestern University offers an online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, designed for those aiming to become licensed therapists. This COAMFTE accredited program stands out for its no GRE requirement, making it accessible to a broader range of students. With a focus on integrative systemic therapy, students engage in 400 hours of clinical fieldwork, including 125 relational clinical hours, preparing them for real-world practice. The program can be completed in 24 months full-time, featuring small class sizes of 15 students for personalized attention. Placement specialists provide support, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to assist diverse populations in thriving through therapeutic interventions.

• Online MFT Master's degree
• 24 months full-time completion
• COAMFTE accredited program
• No GRE required
• 400 hours clinical fieldwork
• 125 relational clinical hours
• 15 students per classroom
• Placement specialists assist
• Integrative systemic therapeutic model
• Immersive experience included

Texas Tech University's PhD in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy is a premier program for those aiming to excel in clinical and research domains. It offers a robust curriculum blending therapy, research, and professional practice, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for licensure and academic roles. The program boasts a 100% licensure success rate, a distinguished faculty, and a campus-based clinic for hands-on experience. Highlights include interdisciplinary research opportunities and a focus on diverse therapy topics, making it a top choice for aspiring therapists.

• Ph.D. program fully accredited
• Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
• 100% professional licensure success
• Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities
• Research spans diverse topics
• Strong clinical practice focus
• Supervised therapy experience
• Prominent national researchers
• Licensure hours count in Texas

Specializing in military marriages, Texas Tech University's PhD program in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy provides targeted training for addressing the unique challenges faced by military families. Accredited since 1981, the program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experience, including a campus-based therapy clinic. Graduates benefit from a 100% licensure exam success rate and access to the nation's largest graduate faculty in the field, preparing them for leadership roles in both academic and clinical settings.

• Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
• 100% professional licensure success
• Nationally largest graduate faculty
• Accredited since 1981
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities
• Extensive clinical training
• Research covering diverse topics
• Licensure hours in Texas
• Strong academic job market placement

Focusing on substance abuse in adults and adolescents, Texas Tech University's PhD in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy equips students with specialized skills to tackle these critical issues. The program emphasizes high-quality research and clinical practice, supported by an accredited curriculum and a campus-based therapy clinic. With a 100% licensure exam success rate and a faculty of nationally recognized researchers, graduates are prepared for impactful careers in therapy, research, and academia.

• Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy
• Accredited since 1981
• Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
• 100% licensure exam success
• Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
• Interdisciplinary research approach
• Licensure hours count in Texas
• Research spans diverse topics
• Strong clinical preparation
• Nationally prominent researchers

Florida State University's Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy is a prestigious program aimed at developing future leaders in the field through advanced clinical training and research. It emphasizes diverse family processes and evidence-based interventions, with hands-on experience at the Center for Couple and Family Therapy. The program, accredited by COAMFTE, requires a clinical master's degree for admission and spans four years, including 83 credit hours, 21 clinical supervision credits, and 24 dissertation credits. Applicants need a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and while GRE scores are recommended, the program is known for its competitive nature. The application deadline is December 1.

• COAMFTE Accredited Program
• 4-year program length
• Minimum 83 credit hours
• Clinical Master's prerequisite
• 21 clinical supervision credits
• 24 dissertation credits
• December 1 application deadline
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
• GRE score recommended
• Competitive doctoral program

Lee University's doctoral program in Marriage and Family Therapy provides a comprehensive educational pathway for mental health professionals focusing on transformative clinical practice. Tailored for working professionals, the program equips students with advanced skills in systemic therapy, research methodologies, and community-centered interventions. By emphasizing compassionate care and Christian organizational principles, graduates are prepared to become innovative clinicians, educators, supervisors, and researchers dedicated to addressing complex psychological challenges and serving underserved populations.

• First MFT doctoral graduates
• Christian organizational focus
• Launched fall 2020
• Serves underserved communities
• Develops innovative clinicians

Lee University's Marriage and Family Therapy doctoral program offers a specialized concentration in racial trauma and cultural competence, preparing professionals to address complex systemic mental health challenges. The curriculum integrates advanced clinical training with rigorous research methodologies, emphasizing culturally sensitive interventions and systemic approaches to healing. Students develop expertise in understanding and treating racial trauma, cultivating skills that enable meaningful community impact and transformative mental health care.

• First MFT doctoral graduates
• Christian organizational focus
• Launched fall 2020
• Clinical leadership training
• Trauma and systemic approach

Lee University's doctoral program in Marriage and Family Therapy provides a specialized concentration in trauma and PTSD, equipping mental health professionals with advanced clinical expertise. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive understanding of psychological trauma, integrating Christian values with evidence-based interventions. Students develop sophisticated skills in clinical assessment, therapeutic techniques, and research methodologies specifically tailored to trauma-informed care, positioning graduates as leaders in mental health treatment and community support.

• First MFT doctoral graduates
• Christian-centered approach
• Launched fall 2020
• Focus on serving underserved communities
• Develops innovative clinicians
• Prepares systemic supervisors
• Trains pragmatic researchers
• Community-focused program

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a Ph.D. in Couple & Family Therapy, a program designed for licensed clinicians aiming to deepen their expertise in systemic therapy. This campus-based program stands out for its commitment to preparing leaders in mental health through advanced research, teaching, and clinical practice. With a strong emphasis on cultural competence and ethical practice, students engage in relationally-oriented mental health work, benefiting from a curriculum that prioritizes diverse family systems. Accredited by COAMFTE and IACSTE, the program requires a clinical master's degree for admission, ensuring a foundation of practical experience. Graduates are well-equipped for roles in academia, clinical administration, and research, making significant contributions to family wellness.

• COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited
• Requires clinical master's degree
• Doctoral students clinically active
• Focus on diverse family systems
• Leadership and research emphasis

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University offers a PhD in Human Development with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy, designed for those aiming to excel in clinical, academic, or research settings. This on-campus program emphasizes a blend of developmental theories and systemic analysis, supported by hands-on research opportunities and multidisciplinary centers. Students benefit from full assistantship funding, tuition waivers, and personalized mentorship, preparing them for impactful careers. A clinical master's degree and a 3.0 GPA are prerequisites, alongside three recommendation letters. The application deadline is December 1st. Highlights include 'PhD with MFT Concentration', 'Requires clinical master's degree', and 'Full assistantship funding available'.

• PhD with MFT Concentration
• Requires clinical master's degree
• Full assistantship funding available
• On-campus, in-person program
• December 1st application deadline
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• Research and teaching opportunities
• Multidisciplinary research centers
• Individual faculty mentorship
• Comprehensive theoretical training
• Advanced research methods
• Career paths in academia/services
• Blacksburg campus location
• Tuition waivers and benefits
• Three recommendation letters needed

Eastern University's Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) is a 60-credit online doctoral program that uniquely combines advanced marriage and family systems theory with theological insights. Designed for church leaders and mental health professionals, it fosters the development of leadership and therapeutic skills through an interdisciplinary approach. The program includes a practicum and doctoral project, preparing graduates for professional licensure and impactful roles in family, individual, and church community settings. Highlights include the integration of theology and clinical practice, a focus on family systems theory, and courses covering diverse therapy topics.

• 60-credit doctoral program
• Integrates theology and clinical practice
• Advances leadership and therapy skills
• Focuses on family systems theory
• Practicum and doctoral project included
• Courses explore diverse therapy topics
• Prepares for professional licensure

Eastern University offers a 100% online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, a 60-credit program designed for advanced professionals seeking careers in counseling, research, and leadership. This program uniquely blends psychological and theological perspectives to enhance mental health skills, with a focus on holistic wellness for individuals, couples, and families. With a total tuition of $28,800 and a flexible completion time of 4-6 years, students engage in significant research and personal growth. Highlights include Christian psychology integration, a research-focused dissertation, and training in advanced counseling skills, preparing graduates for academia, clinical settings, and pastoral care.

• 100% Online Program
• 60 Credit Doctoral Degree
• 4-6 Years Completion Time
• $450 per Credit Tuition
• Christian Psychology Integration
• Research-Focused Dissertation
• Leadership Career Preparation
• Starts in August Annually
• Pastoral and Clinical Focus
• Advanced Counseling Skills Training

The University of Holy Cross presents a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, tailored for aspiring leaders in the counseling field. This online program, accredited by CACREP, emphasizes advanced clinical skills, research, and ethical practice across 117 semester credits. It includes a doctoral practicum, internship with at least 600 hours, and a dissertation, preparing graduates for roles in academia, supervision, and specialized counseling. Highlights include international study opportunities and multiple specialization paths, making it ideal for those aiming to influence the future of counseling education and practice.

• 117 semester credits required
• CACREP-accredited program
• Online and traditional options
• Doctoral practicum and internship
• Prepares counselor educators and leaders
• Multiple specialization options
• International study opportunities
• Minimum 600 internship hours
• Dissertation research component
• Professional association memberships required

Focusing on School Counseling, the University of Holy Cross's PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision is a CACREP-accredited program that blends online and traditional learning. Designed for future leaders, it covers advanced counseling theories, multicultural perspectives, and research over 117 semester credits. The curriculum includes clinical practicum, internships, and a dissertation, with a strong emphasis on leadership and faculty mentorship. Unique features include international study institutes and a 10-year completion window, catering to professionals seeking to elevate their expertise in school counseling and educational leadership.

• CACREP Accredited Program
• 117 semester credits required
• Online and traditional options
• Clinical practicum and internship
• Dissertation required
• Leadership in counseling focus
• Faculty mentorship opportunities
• International study institutes available
• 10-year maximum program completion

California Lutheran University offers a hybrid Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) with a concentration in Family Court Mediation. This program is designed for those seeking to specialize in mediating family disputes within legal contexts. It combines rigorous academic coursework with practical training, including a 12-month practicum and opportunities to work in community counseling centers. The curriculum focuses on systemic therapy, cultural competence, and ethical practice, preparing graduates for high success rates on licensing exams. Unique features include trauma specialization options and a cohort-based model that fosters collaborative learning. Requires GRE.

• Systemic understanding approach
• 12-month practicum placement
• Two community counseling centers
• Clinical specialization options
• High licensing exam pass rates
• Cohort-based learning model
• Multiple location options
• Diverse theoretical training
• 750 clinical training hours
• Trauma specialization available

Michigan State University's Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy stands out as a COAMFTE-accredited program that delves deep into the intricacies of relational dynamics and clinical research. Tailored for those aiming to make a significant impact in the field, it emphasizes a blend of social justice principles with cutting-edge research methodologies. Students benefit from hands-on mentorship by leading faculty, gaining mastery in evidence-based interventions and research techniques. This program is ideal for individuals looking to excel in academic, research, or clinical environments, offering a unique interdisciplinary approach to understanding and improving family and couple relationships.

• COAMFTE-accredited doctoral program
• Focus on relational processes
• Empirically-supported interventions
• Clinical research methodology training
• Interdisciplinary scholarship approach
• Mentorship with expert faculty
• Social justice research orientation